Signal integrity analysis predicts performance and behaviour in advance of design layout or prototype production. This is particularly significant in applications involving high-speed signals or unique and untested inter-connection schemes. Predicting signal behaviour and identifying problem areas can reduce design and prototype iterations, resulting in a quicker and smoother time-to-market.

Costs Benefits of Using Simulation Analysis
Also, the insight into electrical behaviour gained from simulation is very useful in optimising a system’s design, not just for right-first-time reasons but for cost and manufacturability purposes by verifying cost-reducing design strategies, like reducing layer-count for example. It comes down to distinguishing between “Good as possible” or “Good as necessary”.

What-If Analysis (Pre-layout)
TIS uses a variety of simulation techniques as part of an integrated engineering strategy. One technique, “what-if” analysis, is used for new or unique inter-connection schemes. This occurs before layout (Pre-layout) is even started, so representative default characteristics for traces and vias are chosen. Several cases, with different variables, are simulated to investigate performance under different conditions.

Important questions can be answered with this technique:
• Will it work?
• What are the bottlenecks?
• What is the effect of using different PC material, connectors, wider tracks etc?

On-the-fly Analysis
For analysing a design "on-the-fly", simulation is performed within the CAD layout software itself. Models are plugged into the CAD system directly. This method gives instant feedback on a design layout; as tracks are added or moved, for example, the crosstalk simulation can be immediately updated and the designer can see the impact of the modification. This technique is key in the optimisation of a design increasing the tracking density usually reduces the layer-count, which means lower PCB cost.

Post-layout Analysis
This is where the actual layout configuration is analysed. This can be used to verify the layout, identifying critical nets or problem areas, or to achieve a more detailed analysis of traces, replacing the representative trace model with a “real” one.

Services we offer
TIS offers contract simulation services to support customers with their engineering effort. Customers can chose to use only this service or combine it with our layout, backplane and enclosure design and manufacturing resources. We provide detailed quotations in advance and we deliver simulation results compiled in an in-depth report. For backplane simulation, we also provide a “cook-book” to aid our customers with the layout of their daughter cards.